Basic Chinese Chicken Soup Stock (Soup Base)

Soup Name: Pork Bones with Water Chestnut and Arrowroot Soup

Introduction:

This rich broth is extremely sweet to taste (even with all natural ingredients).   It is cooling to the body and ideal for consumption during hot summer months. 

1 pound of fresh pork bones
1 arrowroot
10-15 fresh water chestnuts
2-3 dried figs
2-3 L of water
1 teaspoon of salt (to marinate the pork)

How do I prepare it?

Pre-marinate the pork bones overnight with the salt (although this step is not necessary)
Blanch pork bones in a separate pot of boiling water
Boil your soup water and immediately add dried figs into the cold water
Peel and wash the water chestnuts
Peel and cut the arrowroot into large cubes
Add all the remaining ingredients once the water is boiling
1. Boil on high heat for 30 minutes
2. Reduce to a simmer for 2 hours
3. Serve and enjoy!

 Any benefits?

• Very sweet soup that is ideal in the summer
• The water chestnuts help reduce heatiness and cool the body
• The soup is extremely rich in fibers if you eat the arrowroot and water chestnuts
• Ideal for children to drink (however you can minimize the water chestnuts by half)

Any precautions?

• Since water chestnuts are a cooling food, it is suggested that women who are pregnant less than 3 months into term should avoid cooling foods
• This also applies to women who are menstruating as it may cause undesired contractions